The Best Hiking Boots: Your Feet Need This

Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Paul Clayton

The Best Hiking Boots: Your Feet Need This

If you are a lover of the outdoors, there are many ways that you can indulge in some activity that involves getting close to nature. Whether you prefer rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, or any other hobby, you likely share a love of nature, and you may sometimes want to get away from the bustle of daily life. Read on for the best hiking boots.

Of course, if you want to enjoy any of these activities, you must make a few considerations before heading off into the wilderness. First, you will need to know the proper technique to accomplish your chosen activity; even something as simple as hiking could injure the uninitiated.

Other than the proper technique and training to perform your outdoor activity safely, you will also need the right equipment. For example, you wouldn’t want to be caught in the middle of the forest during a downpour without a jacket or any provisions, so this is a crucial aspect to account for.

Today’s guide will be centered around one of the most crucial bits of gear you will need for a hiking trip: a pair of hiking boots. Whether you are looking for men’s or women’s boots, our guide to the best boots on the market should provide all the info you want.

Besides our reviews of ten of the best hiking boots around, we will also provide some advice on finding the right boots for your needs. You will have to consider that different customers have varying needs regarding their hiking boots, so knowing what to look for can help immensely.

Ultimately, it is up to you to choose how you would like to use this guide. If you are new to hiking boots, we strongly recommend paying close attention to our buying advice. On the other hand, if you are an experienced buyer of outdoor boots, you may wish to skip directly to our reviews.

What Are Hiking Boots?

We figured that we would start by laying the groundwork to ensure that all our readers could follow along with us. As you may have guessed from the terminology, hiking boots have been specially designed for hikers.

There are many different styles of hiking boots; some have lower tops that resemble shoes more than traditional boots. Make no mistake, however, as hiking boots are far more durable than any other shoe you will typically come across.

A few characteristics are prized above all others when finding the proper hiking boots. For instance, you will find that durability is crucial in hiking boots, as they will have to endure the abuse they will face every time you decide to take them on a hike.

Besides the importance of durability, you will also want hiking boots to be sufficiently weather-resistant, as there is no guarantee that the weather will remain ideal throughout your hike. A hiking boot that can’t resist water infiltration will be of little help to the person wearing a pair.

You might also like Walk On: The Best Walking Shoes For Women

Hiking Boots vs. Other Kinds of Boots

You can choose from many different types of boots, and you may wonder about some differences between hiking boots and those other types.

In this section, we’ll look at other boot types and compare them to hiking boots. Of course, we’ll only be going over different varieties of functional boots, as no one would reasonably expect a pair of high-fashion boots to be worn in the mud and grit of the outdoors.

Hiking Boots vs. Rain Boots

While rain boots and hiking boots will provide a significant degree of water resistance, rain boots are often far more water-resistant at the expense of versatility. Most rain boots will be made of rubber, preventing any water infiltration, but they are not the most durable materials.

Another issue with rain boots that would make them a poor choice for hikers is that they often do not have much tread on the underside, resulting in substantially less grip than hiking boots. Rain boots are better suited for rain-slicked concrete and not muddy paths.

Hiking Boots vs. Hunting Boots

There is not much of a distinction between hiking boots and hunting boots since both of these varieties are made for similar tasks. You will often find that hunting boots are better insulated so that they won’t let off any scents that may scare away potential prey.

On the other hand, hiking boots will often be a little more durable than hunting boots as they are expected to be used more often, but this matter depends as much on the individual boot variety. As we mentioned, many boots of both types are directly comparable with each other, and they make suitable substitutes.

You might also like Let’s Go: The Best Walking Shoes for Men 

Hiking Boots vs. Arctic Boots

Arctic boots are designed for use in environments where snow and ice abound, as you may have expected from their name. There are quite a few similarities between these boot types since both will have to be relatively durable and not susceptible to water infiltration.

Of course, arctic boots will be a little more water-resistant than hiking boots since you will often be ankle-deep in the snow while using them, and you won’t want your feet to freeze. This also brings us to insulation, as Arctic boots are meant to be used in much colder temperatures than hiking boots.

Another thing to consider is that artic boots will often have unique features like removable ice spikes for better grip in environments where you can expect to use them. Unless you are hiking in a more northern latitude, you are likely better off with purpose-made hiking boots.

Uses for Hiking Boots

As you may have noticed in the previous section, hiking boots are one of the more versatile boots. While these boots may not be overly specialized in any area, this has the benefit of increasing the number of possible uses for them, so let’s look at a few of them.

Hiking

As you may have guessed, hiking boots are best used for hiking because they can put up with the harsh range of conditions you will have to deal with while remaining comfortable. If you are hiking for hours, you will at least want your boots ready.

Hiking boots will prevent your feet from getting sore due to a long day of outdoor activity since their insoles are often designed to support your feet for extended periods. Even other outdoor boots will usually not be made with endurance in mind, as is the case with hiking boots.

Another advantage to hiking boots when they are used for the activity they are made for is that they are often built to last, even if you like hiking every day. Getting a year or more of intense use out of a pair of hiking boots without dealing with rips or other failures is not unheard of.

Hunting

We already covered the similarities between hunting boots and hiking boots earlier on, and as you may have guessed, those aspects make hiking boots so well-suited for hunters. Many hunters prefer to use hiking boots, especially if they will be in the wilderness for a long time.

Hiking boots are often preferable to hunting boots because they are meant to be worn longer. If you anticipate going hunting all day, your feet will be thanking you for your choice of hiking boots after a little while due to their softer (and often replaceable) insoles.

Winter Boots

If you live in a more northern state and you often have to deal with harsh winters, you will find that a versatile pair of hiking boots may serve you well. If you opt for a pair of hiking boots designed to put up with snow and ice, you will save money on a separate pair of winter boots.

While some will doubt the effectiveness of hiking boots during the winter, a sufficiently insulated model will be an excellent choice for any winter user. There aren’t many differences between quality winter boots and a pair of hiking boots designed for use in colder climates.

Work Use

If you do a job that requires high-durability footwear, then you may find that a proper pair of hiking boots can make an excellent choice of daily boots. You will typically want to opt for a more brutal pair of boots if you are searching for durability above all else, though you will have to compromise when it comes to comfort.

For instance, many construction workers wear a pair of Timberland boots due to their reputation for reliability and durability. Hiking boots are incredibly versatile, and their wide range of applications improves that versatility even further.

An Everyday Pair of Boots

Hiking boots are so comfortable that you can even wear them daily instead of shoes, especially if you often have to deal with rain or other foul weather. Provided there is no dress code regarding shoes where you work, you will find that wearing hiking boots daily is easy to get accustomed to.

While hiking boots may not be as pretty as some shoes, you will find that they are much more durable, meaning that you won’t have to replace them anywhere near as often. For those of our readers who prefer function over form, few choices can match a reliable pair of hiking boots.

Choosing the Best Hiking Boots

When you are looking for the right pair of hiking boots for your needs, there are a few features you will have to account for to ensure that you are making the right purchase. If you don’t pay close attention to what you want out of your boots, you will likely regret your purchase.

There is one surefire way to avoid buyer’s remorse when you are choosing your hiking boots, and that is to be educated about the importance of various features. Before getting to our reviews, let’s review some of the integral things you should look for in your new pair of hiking boots.

Size

Of course, the first thing you should consider when choosing the proper hiking boots for your needs is the size of the boots. If you get the wrong hiking boot size, you can have the best boots in the world, but you will still be unable to use them.

If you get boots that are too big or too small, the best case would result in you sending them back for a refund, in the worst case, you will end up with boots that don’t even fit you. For this very reason, you will want to pay close attention to the sizing charts accompanying each boot.

Remember that a sizing chart won’t do you much good unless you know the measurements of your feet, so you may require some tailor’s tape to get an idea of the various lengths and sizes.

When choosing the proper hiking boots for your needs, you will also want to consider the weather that you will be hiking in. If you often hike in cold or wet environments, there will need to be sufficient room inside your hiking boots for insulated or waterproof socks so that you may opt for a half-size larger boot.

Durability

As you may have guessed, the reliability of your hiking boots is also relatively high on the list regarding importance. More durable boots will serve you for a longer time before they need to be replaced, which will end up saving you money on new boots in the long run.

Another thing to consider is that continually replacing your boots means you will have to break in a new pair more often, which can be an unpleasant experience. Nothing quite beats the feeling of a pair of well-worn boots that now conform perfectly to the size of your feet.

More durable boots will also be able to put up with more direct abuse, which is unfortunately bound to happen when hiking in the wilderness. Unless you want to carry around a backup pair of boots all the time, you will need a pair of hiking boots that you can trust.

Of course, durability is directly related to the build quality of your hiking boots, so you will want to ensure you are getting a well-made pair. You are often better off choosing a pair of boots that are a little more expensive but built to better standards, as they will last far longer than a pair of budget boots.

Grip

Another essential characteristic you must search for when choosing the proper hiking boots for your needs is the grip your boots will provide. Besides making hiking a more pleasant experience, boots with more grip will also make your hikes far safer.

The amount of grip your hiking boots provide is directly related to the tread on the underside and the material it is made of. While softer rubber will have more grip than a firmer outsole, it will tend to sacrifice durability so that you will need the right balance of firmness for a proper degree of grip.

As you may have guessed, hiking boots with more grip are typically safer because you will be less likely to fall, but there is a threshold where you can have too much grip. If your hiking boots are prone to sticking on obstacles, you will be just as likely to fall as you would be with boots that don’t have enough grip.

Plenty of time and research goes into ensuring that hiking boots have the appropriate grip and that the tread patterns on the underside of your boots are there for more than aesthetics.

Weather Resistance

As you may expect with hiking boots, you will need a product that can put up with the worst the environment has to throw at you. Nobody wants to complete a hike with wet feet, and you should have to do so as long as you pick the proper hiking boots for your needs.

Of course, customers who often hike through the deserts of Arizona will be far less likely to need waterproof boots than those who like to explore national forests. When considering the importance of weather resistance in your next pair of hiking boots, we recommend accounting for where you often hike.

If you often go through areas covered in snow, waterproofing will be even more critical as snow tends to stick to your boots and melt on contact. Remember that if you see a product with GORE-TEX material used in its construction, it is likely far more resistant to the weather.

Weight

You may be surprised to learn that weight is another thing you should consider when shopping for hiking boots. Heavier boots will make it harder to walk and end up making you tired sooner, so you will usually want to go for the lightest boots you can find.

You will have to strike the right balance between the build quality of your hiking boots and their weight, as the best hiking boots always manage to be as light as possible without making sacrifices. Lightweight boots are particularly crucial for customers who prefer to go on longer hikes.

Padding

The amount of padding in your hiking boots will determine whether or not they are suitable for long-distance hikes. While some degree of soreness is to be expected after a long hike, you will find that padded boots are less likely to leave you with sore feet the following day.

Besides the amount of padding, you will also have to consider where precisely the padding is positioned in the boot. A bit of padding strategically around the boot’s interior is far more helpful than padding placed haphazardly about without concern for comfort.

The type of padding that is used will also determine how breathable your boots are, which can help eliminate the development of scents as well as keep your feet relatively cool.

Closure System

The last aspect to consider when choosing the best hiking boots for your needs is how the boots are secured to your feet. The most common closure method for hiking boots is boot laces because they are rugged, reliable, and allow you to adjust the fit to your liking.

While velcro and clasps are present on some hiking boots, they are often relegated to the role of a secondary closure system since they lack the durability and versatility of laces. Many different kinds of laces can come included with hiking boots, and they can even be replaced if they are not durable enough for your needs.

Our Recommendations

Best Overall Men’s Hiking Boots – XPETI Men’s Thermator Waterproof Boot

Specifications:

• Made of waterproof leather
• The tongue and collar are padded
• EVA footbed is breathable and removable
• Gusseting on the tongue reduces pressure
• Features multi-directional lugs

Overview

If you are looking for quality boots, you have not heard of XPETI. The Thermator men’s boot is an excellent choice for any hiker who needs a versatile boot that is durable enough to last. Many features on this boot are present to improve the comfort of the wearer to a considerable degree.

For example, the leather construction helps make the boot easier to break in, as it will conform better to your foot after extended use. While leather often doesn’t mix well with water, the oiled hide used on these boots is perfect for inclement weather.

Regarding the features that improve the wearer’s comfort, you will find that the gusseted tongue helps prevent the laces from putting pressure on the top of your foot. There is also padding along the interior of the collar and the tongue to further improve your ankle comfort.

Including multi-directional lugs means that you are much less likely to lose grip while wearing these boots, even if you are on rugged terrain. The lugs on the outsole of these boots may be the difference between you turning your ankle and regaining control.

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Boots – Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot

Specifications:

• Available in 17 colors
• Made of waterproof leather
• Treated with Omni shield
• The midsole features EVA foam
• Durable D-ring laces
• Omnigrip outsole

For our readers who want the best possible hiking boots for women, no products will be able to compete with the Newton Ridge Plus from Columbia, an improvement on their famed Newton Ridge boot.

You have a choice of two colors when purchasing these boots, allowing you to look good while you hike. The Quarry color is more of a muted grey that is more suitable for arctic and rocky environments, while the Cordovan option is a more traditional brown color, and there are 15 more colors to choose from.

Of course, you are probably interested in more than just what these boots look like, as they are designed for supreme durability and comfort. For example, the D-ring lacing system is much less likely to fail due to wear and tear than traditional laces with holes punched directly through the boot.

Including EVA foam in the midsole means these boots will remain comfortable, even on longer hikes. In the end, we were highly impressed with these Columbia boots.

Best Men’s Hiking Boots for Harsh Weather – Timberland Men’s Anti-Fatigue Hiking Boot

Specifications:

• OrthoLite EVA footbed
• GORE-TEX materials used
• Rubber heel- and toecaps
• Sensisfit heel strap
• Features a gusseted tongue

The Timberland Men’s Anti-Fatigue is the best choice for our male readers who want something ready to put up with a little more challenging conditions. Using GORE-TEX fabric to construct these shoes means you won’t have to worry about water or other elements.

There are rubber caps on both the heel and the tip of these boots to ensure that your feet are protected from impacts, and they also act as mudguards. Also positioned on the heel, you will find a sensisfit strap that guarantees you the best fit for these bootie-type boots.

Using an OrthoLite EVA footbed means that these are the best hiking boots for customers who want added support without sacrificing comfort.

Overall, it is easy to tell that these boots were made with a single objective: excellent performance no matter what terrain and weather conditions you are currently dealing with.

Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Harsh Weather – ANJOUFEMME Comfortable Work Hiking Boots 

Specifications:

• Choice of six color options
• Features a waterproof and breathable membrane
• Rubber toe cap
• 4mm lugs are multi-directional
• Features a contoured heel

Next, we’ll look at the best hiking boots for harsh weather that our female readers can wear. ANJOUFEMME has developed an excellent product in these boots, as they are made to withstand extreme weather without making any concessions in other departments.

For example, the 4mm lugs on these boots are positioned for multi-directional support, so you won’t have to worry about compromising your grip on uneven terrain. Another impressive feature of the outsole on these boots is the contoured heel that helps immensely on inclines.

These boots have six different colorways available, so you can find the look that suits you and your equipment best, though most of the colors are similarly dark.

The waterproof membrane laid over the top of these boots allows your feet to breathe, so you won’t have to worry about overheating or unpleasant scents. While these boots are impressive, be prepared to pay more than some budget hiking boots.

Best Hiking Boots for the Money – HUMTTO Men’s All-Terrain Waterproof Hiking Boot

Specifications:

• It comes in four different colors
• Rubber cup sole provides traction
• Features a waterproof membrane
• Lacing hardware is rustproof
• Steel shank improves stability

Finally, we have reached the last product before our choices, and it is the most affordable. If you want to save money on hiking boots, the HUMTTO Men’s All-Terrain Waterproof Hiking is an excellent choice without sacrificing quality.

For instance, the rubber cupsole that is featured on these boots provides better traction than you would expect from a model that is this affordable. The outsole is made out of hardened rubber for improved durability and grip.

These boots are also made to put up with the elements, which you don’t see too often on boots that are this affordable. You will find that the combination of a waterproof membrane and rust-proof lacing rings will keep your feet dry and your boots intact.

These boots also have a steel shank to provide optimal support in all conditions and at any angle. While these boots may not match some of the most expensive choices on the market, they are a wise choice for the hiker looking to save some money.

Alternatives

NORTIV 8 Mens Hiking Boots Waterproof Work Boot

Specifications:

• Made of waterproof leather and mesh
• Features GORE-TEX materials
• The anti-fatigue footbed is removable
• EVA midsoles improve comfort
• Lacing hardware is rustproof

If you are looking for hiking boots from NORTIV 8 that are a little more resistant to prevailing conditions, then the Chocorua might be a better option. These boots feature an upper constructed from waterproof leather and mesh, with a GORE-TEX bootie.

All these materials come together to make a rugged boot for water to infiltrate, but that is not the only weather resistance you will get out of these boots. The laces are held together by rustproof hardware that won’t degrade due to rain or snow.

When it comes to comfort, you will get precisely what you would expect from NORTIV 8 boots, which is to say that you can wear these boots all day. The EVA midsole and the anti-fatigue footbeds ensure your feet won’t ache, even after the most extended hikes.

If you are a fan of NORTIV 8s and you are willing to pay the higher price for these boots, you should have no problem with the Chocorua hiking boots.

Columbia Newton Ridge Men’s High-Top Waterproof Hiking Boots

Specifications:

• Available in a choice of either black or sand colors
• Made of waterproof suede calfskin
• The midsole is made of EVA foam
  
• Rear pull loop for ease of use
• Heel and toe are protected by rubber caps
• High-top design

If you want some hiking boots with a bit more of a futuristic look, this Columbia Newton Ridge model may be the right choice for you. These high-top hiking boots are an excellent option for anyone looking to keep their ankles warm while they hike.

Of course, the high-top style of these hiking boots also means they provide more support than other models, ensuring you will be less likely to turn your ankle in a sudden ditch.

The waterproof suede calfskin is comfortable, though it may not be the most durable material. However, we had a few issues with it throughout our torture tests.

Both the heel and the toe of this boot feature rubber caps to ensure that you don’t injure your feet on any sudden obstacles you may run into (quite literally). The outsole of these hiking boots is made of anti-slip rubber, so you won’t have to worry about any sudden losses of grip.

Kkyc Women Hiking Boots 

Specifications:

• Available in three colors: brown, brown/green, and grey
• Features engineered traction sole
• High-top
• Features comfort lining
• Fully adjustable lacing

If you want a pair of women’s hiking boots that are a little more affordable without compromising build quality, these boots from Kkyc Womens Hiking Boots may be just right for you. These boots can be found in various colors, so you can pick the one that fits you best.

When it comes to their performance, these boots provide comfort above all else due to a range of features, including a comfortable sock liner that will improve the softness of the interior. The laces on these boots are fully adjustable, allowing you to set the tightness to your preference.

The engineered sole of these boots is designed for optimal traction, with hardened lugs that will dig into soft and rugged terrain.

These hiking boots also feature a high-mid top design that helps prevent snow and water from getting into your socks. High-top hiking boots are often an excellent choice because they support more ankles than other styles.

Northside Women’s Pioneer Mid Leather Hiking Boot

Specifications:

• Available in five different colors
• Suede and leather construction
• Mesh inserts provide breathability
• Features a rubber toe cap
• It also includes a rubber heel stabilizer
• The removable EVA insole can be washed

This next pair of women’s hiking boots is designed for improved comfort over some of the other choices in the same price range. These boots manage to combine comfort and affordability into a single excellent product.

The mixed suede and leather construction means that these boots will be comfortable and will conform to the size of your foot without compromising any ruggedness. Rubber is also present along the exterior of these boots for added durability and protection, such as on the heel and toe.

These boots feature a removable EVA insole that can be washed safely so that odors won’t have a chance to develop. The gusseted tongue relieves the lace pressure and helps keep the foot compartment clear of any dirt, water, or anything else.

The last main component of constructing these hiking boots consists of a group of mesh inserts that help improve the overall breathability.

Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot

Lightweight Hiking Boot

Specifications:

• Available in three colors
• Features a Contagrip sole
• GORE-TEX materials
• Rubber toe cap improves protection
• High top
• All-mountain traction grooves

These hiking boots from Sketchers use the company’s famed 4D system, which consists of four layers that help improve the comfort of your hikes.

The uppermost layer of this system consists of padding, while the second helps provide extra stability, followed by another padding layer. The last part of the 4D chassis includes the all-mountain traction Contagrip sole, ensuring you won’t slip or slide.

Made of GORE-TEX fabric, you won’t have to worry about water infiltration with these boots, even if you are in the middle of a rainstorm. The high-top design of these hiking boots helps you maintain improved stability while preventing water and debris from getting in.

Of course, you will have to be willing to pay more for hiking boots of this quality, but we would argue that these boots from Salomon are worth the money.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of excellent hiking boots; the ideal model will depend on precisely what you need. Thank you for reading through our review guide, and we wish you luck choosing the best hiking boots.

Home page
Back to the top of the page